Something to be Thankful For: International Exposure for Bellissima Minerals!

We had something extra special to be thankful for this weekend - and it came as a delightful surprise!

When one of our items was published in Consumer Reports Shop Smart Magazine back in October, we were absolutely ecstatic. But we thought that, if it wasn’t a once in a lifetime thing, we’d wait years for something like that to happen again - at least.

But we didn’t have to wait that long - and this time, we’ve been published in an international magazine!

And the debut issue, to boot!

A new - and stunningly beautiful - magazine out of the Czech Republic with a creative eye towards Indie fashion and beauty has hit the stands!

With both print and digital editions, Styl Magazine has made it’s inaugural debut.
And it is gorgeous!

We’re incredibly honored and thrilled to have our Bellissima Mineral Tinted Lip Gloss in Beautifully Blush appear in their ’Heart & Bruised’ editorial by Kristin Walko. It’s a dazzling spread on a new look in beauty & cosmetics that focuses on the ethereal: “The key is going soft, muted and with some sort of sheen - be it very fine shimmer or in a cream.” One peek at these striking photos and you’ll want to wear this look!

Bellissima wishes to send heartfelt thanks out to Riz Sedek and her collaborators at Styl for publishing such a magnificent mag and for turning the spotlight on indie beauty and fashion with such an inspired eye. We wish her much continued success!

Be sure to take a peek at Styl’s website: http://www.stylmagazine.com/

Support this effort to promote handmade and indie businesses by subscribing here (PayPal accepted): http://www.stylmagazine.com/subscribe.html

And if you’d like to take a few minutes to offer up a bit more support for this admirable endeavor, please tweet, blog, facebook, stumble upon, digg it - anything you can to help spread the word about Styl Magazine!

We'll continue with the Bellissima Holiday Shopping Guide tomorrow - so be sure to tune in!

Bellissima Holiday Shopping Guide Day 5: Soap Gift Sets

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Those gifts that are substantial and hefty enough to deserve their own spot under the tree!

But trust me, these won't even make even a minor dent in your wallet... you can feel confident in presenting thoughtful, meaningful, enchanting, gratifying gifts that won't break the bank.

First on the list? Soap, of course!

Soap is a great gift for everyone: practical yet decadent at the same time.

Handmade soap retains glycerin - a natural by-product of the soap-making process that most commercial brands remove and sell due to it's value - making handmade soap much more moisturizing and emollient than store-bought brands. It feels heavenly on the skin and really is a special, pampering treat. It can provide the same extravagant pleasure as an expensive trip to the spa.

And if you guive a man a bar of handmade cleansing pumice or coffee soap, shave soap or shampoo bar - trust me, he'll never want Lava, Barbasol or Suave again!

And Bellissima handmade soaps come in so many varieties, you're sure to find something for anyone: all-natural, botanical-infused, all-veggie oil, goat's milk, scented, utility and more!

We've put together a fabulous 4-piece Soap Gift Set that's sure to please! It comes with 2 bars of our delicious handmade soap - each more than 5oz huge! Each Set includes a pine soap deck and a netted bath sponge. We also add in our Handmade Soap Guidelines - helpful hints for using, storing and extending the life of your Handmade Soap!

Bellissima Handmade Soap 4pc Gift Sets are available at either http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com or http://www.bellissimatruccominerale.com

And be sure to check our previous post for lots of Promo Codes for Discounts valid for through Monday Only!

Bellissima Holiday Shopping Guide: Day 4 of Stocking Stuffers

And we're back to regular programming!

Still talking about Stocking Stuffers, too.

While just about everything we sell at Bellissima could fit into a stocking, they all don't qualify as stocking stuffers. And why is that?

Well, one very old legend of unknown origin tells the story of a nobleman who had lost everything after his wife died and was living as a peasant. He was quite poor and in need of dowries to marry off his three daughters. Saint Nicholas happened to be visiting the town and heard talk from the villagers of the family's dilemma. He knew the family would never accept charity, but decided to help anyway. He waited until the family was asleep and peeked through the window. He noticed the girls had hung their stockings by the fireplace to dry, and climbed down the chimney to drop gold coins in them - enough for each daughter to be able to marry. Thus, the very first Christmas Stockings were born.

There are other popular stories, too, but suffice it to say that they all involve footwear by the fireplace and small coins, balls or toys.

So, it's tradition to just use small gifts for stuffing stockings. And, it's what fits! Nowadays we save Stockings for just small-sized presents, usually inexpensive, designed to make the recipient smile.

And what's the most perfect Stocking Stuffer of all? Gift Certificates!

Bellissima is offering shop Gift Certificates this Holiday Season in a wide variety of denominations - from $10.00 up to $1,000,000.00 (just kidding...)!

They never expire, include the cost of shipping and are valid on everything in the Bellissima Shop! We can email a .pdf version for you to print out or snail-mail the real thing.

So if you need just one more thing to top off that stocking, Bellissima Gift Certificates are the way to go. You can find them at http://www.bellissimatruccominerale.com

And don't forget to check yesterday's post for lots of discount promo codes valid for this weekend only! Or this post for themed stocking stuffer gift ideas!

Stay tuned for more of the Bellissima Holiday Shopping Guide coming up!

Black Friday Deals at Bellissima Minerals

It's here!

The biggest retail shopping day of the year!

Once Thanksgiving is behind us, the focus switches quickly to Christmas and Holiday Shopping.

No doubt, many of you were up at 3:00, 4:00, even 5:00 am looking for those special gifts at just the right price!

I thought I'd offer some great deals at Bellissima, too... but no scrambling, hustling or bustling allowed! Just curl up, nice and comfy (preferably in your fave pj's and slippers), in front of your computer and grab a cup 'o coffee, tea, whatever.... log in to either

http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com or

http://www.bellissimamineralmakeup.com

and enjoy these amazing deals!

~ Free US Shipping on all Bellissima Handmade Soap Sample Stacks!

Use Promo Code 'Black'

~ Free Shipping on all Bellissima Mineral Makeup Kits!

No Promo Code Necessary

~ 15% off of all Bellissima Full Size Single (or Double pack) Handmade Bar Soap!

Use Promo Code 'Friday'

~ Free US Shipping on all Bellissima Mineral Tinted Lip Glosses!

No Promo Code Necessary

~ 15% off of all Bellissima Handmade Soap Gift Sets!

Use Promo Code 'Cyber'

~ BOGO - Buy One Bellissima Soap Sample Bar, Get One Free - No Limit!

Use Promo Code 'Monday'

~ B3GO - Buy Three Bellissima Full Size Soap Bars, Get One Free - No Limit!

Use Promo Code 'Weekend'

~ B2GO - Buy any Two Bellissima Mineral EyeShadows or Mineral Tinted Lip Butters and Get One Free - No Limit!

Use Promo Code 'Deals'

~ 25% off the Cost of all International Shipping Fees!

No Promo Code Necessary

Fine Print & Red Tape (there always is, isn't there?):

* Sale & Promo Codes Valid from Friday, 11.27.09 - Monday 11.30.09, 12am EST

* Be sure to note Promo Code in Message to Seller Box during Checkout

* You may wait for a Revised Invoice reflecting the Discount, or Discount may be issued as refund after payment is made

* Black Friday Weekend Specials are not valid with any other discount, promo or Bellissima discount Gift Certificate

* 25% off International Shipping is based on Flat Rate Priority International Shipping Rate

And please don't hesitate to email me with any questions or if you need any assistance at all!

Taking A Break in the Action for Thanksgiving

I think it's time for a break in all the action to stop and be thankful today.

Thanksgiving's a day to set everything aside and just relax - to gather together and spend time with family, friends and loved ones, enjoy a wonderful meal and think about all the incredible blessings that have been bestowed on us throughout the past year.

Life is so fast-paced these days: we're racing for all the right reasons and to succeed at the things that mean the most to us. A little reflection helps us to refocus and reprioritize, set new goals, recover a bit and realize that our work is always rewarded.

Many of us today will list all the things we're thankful for, but I'd rather just note much more eloquent words from people I admire and who say it all so much better than I ever could:

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." Albert Schweitzer

"When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup." Sam Lefkowitz

"Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast." W.J. Cameron

"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life." Northrup Christiane

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them,is the true measure of our thanksgiving." W.T. Purkiser

"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse." Henry Van Dyke

"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." Edward Sandford Martin

"This is the finest measure of thanksgiving: a thankfulness that springs from love." William C. Skeath

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day." Irv Kupcinet

I'll definitely be watching what I eat today!

Have a joyous, restful, relaxing, reflective and Happy Thanksgiving!

Bellissima Holiday Shopping Guide: Day 3 of Stocking Stuffers

As a girl, I loved cosmetics - I still do. And like many other girls of a certain age, I was addicted to nail polish, lip color, eyeshadows, etc. I can even pinpoint the exact time when my fascination with everything that beautifies began - but that's for another post!

I really wish a few things were different back when I started using makeup:
- I wish I knew as much about skin care as I did about cosmetics
- I wish I cared more about what I was putting on my face than how it looked
- I wish there were much healthier options available

I attribute most of the skin issues I'm experiencing today in middle age with the transgressions of my youth. Unfortunately, we just didn't know any better.

But now we do.

And I firmly believe that girls today will have much healthier skin tomorrow because of it!

My step-daughter will soon reach that age when makeup becomes a vital life necessity, and I can't wait to introduce her to mineral cosmetics - Bellissima, of course!

And the perfect introduction is with a Trial Size Mineral Makeup Kit - it makes an ideal stocking stuffer for the Holidays, too!

Our 7pc Trial Size Kits include small 5 gram jars filled to the brim with Minerals: Foundation, Mineral Veil, Concealer, Blush and Bronzer.

We offer them in every shade of Foundation, and the companion products are in coordinating shades. We also include either a mini Kabuki Brush or 5pc Mini Brush Set (your choice) and our detailed Mineral Makeup Application Guide. Each Kit offers approximately 2 weeks of daily application, depending on use.

And it's affordable, too: $12.50 with Free US Shipping!
They're available at both shops:
http://bellissimatruccominerale.com
http://BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com

So, whether you've always wanted to try mineral cosmetics yourself or you know a Tween or Teen just getting into makeup and want to introduce them to a healthier alternative to traditional cosmetics, Bellissima Trial Size Kits are the perfect choice!

Want to try before you buy? I’ll send you 5 Bellissima Mineral Makeup Samples - totally Free of Charge - to do just that! They're in smal 2"x2" ziplock bags, are great for testing shades and will last 1-2 applications.
Just visit http://www.bellissimamineralmakeup.com, go to the Contact Us Page and fill out the form. We promise to protect your privacy and never spam you.

Stay Tuned for more Stocking Stuffers from Bellissima!

Bellissima Holiday Shopping Guide: Day 2 of Stocking Stuffers

Okay, admit it: you know you’re getting socks and underwear for Christmas. Most of us do - whether we need them or not. Whether we want them or not.

Stockings are, in many households, predominately for filling with the necessities of life: batteries, razors, pens & pencils, toiletries and the aforementioned unmentionables.

But how do you give these types of gifts and avoid the inevitable look of utter disappointment?
Make it FUN! And make it an annual tradition.

My Mom made it fun by choosing undergarments with cool characters or fun designs - an awesome change from the pure white we were used to the rest of the year. She gift wrapped even the most mundane item, usually even more elaborately than the ’real’ gifts. And she made it a tradition by doing things like a variation on theme every year. One year our stocking might be filled with nothing but blue items or T-Shirts, the next year might be nothing but purple stuff or makeup!

But no matter what, we always looked forward to opening our stockings - in spite of the fact that we knew that there was a strong possibility that there’d be socks and underwear in there. And I try to keep it fun and build a tradition for my loved ones now, too.

Soap is one of those gifts that you can have fun with. And with our soap sample bars, you can have a blast! At just over 1 oz each, they’re both inexpensive and practical, and perfect for stuffing stockings. Here are some great ideas for themed stocking stuffing:

DIY-er or Car-Lover Gift Idea: Fill with handy tools, measuring tape, car wax, a nice chamois and a few sample size bars of our Orange & Tea Tree Mechanic’s Companion Pumice Soap.

Cook’s or Chef‘s Gift Idea: Fill with mini cookbooks, utensils, spices, oven mitts and a few sample size bars of our Black Diamond Coffee Kitchen Companion Hand Soap.

Fruit-Lover‘s Gift Idea: Fill with an apple corer, citrus peeler, small jars of jams or preserves and a few sample size bars of our Anjou Pear, Blackberry Hibiscus or Avocado & Lime Soap.

Gardener’s or Florist Gift Idea: Fill with a spade & trowel, gardening gloves, apron, seed packets and a few bars of our Red Rose & Ivy, Exotic Orchid, Flowers & Ferns or Lavender & Lemongrass Soap.

Dog-Lover’s Gift Idea: Fill with a pet brush, chew toys, pet treats, leash & collar and a few bars of our Comfrey & Tea Tree Oil Dog Shampoo Bar.

All-Natural Themed Stocking: Fill with organic snack bars, 100% cotton socks, hand-made paper stationary and a few bars of our Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, Triple Mint or Cracked Black Pepper Soap.

Hair-Care Themed Stocking: Fill with brushes and combs, bows, ribbons, clips, hair spay & styling gel and a few bars of our Amber Vanilla Shampoo & Body Bar.

Shave Themed Stocking: Fill with disposable razors, a cotton facial cloth, soothing aftershave or aloe gel and a few sample bars of our Chamomile Aloe Shave Soap.

The ideas are endless, really - and only limited to your imagination! Oh - and to make it easy and economical, we offer our Soap Sample Bars in 4-, 5-, 6-, 8- and 10-Pack Variety Stacks!

All of our Sample Size Soap Bars are available at:
www.bellissimatruccominerale.com
BellissimaMinerals.etsy.com
So have some fun this year, and start a tradition that will keep your family looking forward to opening their Stockings every Holiday Season!